I've been wanting to make a sloper for myself but don't really know how to go about it. I also want to be able to use it as a base to hep fit commercial patterns. Again, I have no idea how to do this. I came across several software programs and kits that help make slopers and was wondering if anyone has used or tried these.Pattern MakerSure-Fit DesignsYour Personal Fit
I'm interested in getting a good fit with my patterns and would like to be able to modify patterns as well. I had the My Label software but didn't like it and I never really got a good fit with my patterns. I just wanted to pull my hair out every time I used it
If anybody has used any of these I would love to hear the good, bad, and ugly of it.

Don't forget about PatternMaster Boutique. It's what I use and I absolutely love it. It has such flexibility in design!! I've been able to create just about anything, from bathing suits to ballgowns.
NAYY; just a happy user.
--Welmoed

I don't know if you are only looking for computer programs. I haven't tried any of them.
Years ago I had a class where I drafted a sloper & I'm sure there are books on how to do it. But what I decided to use for my DD is McCall's 2718 pattern by Palmer/Pletsch that can be used to create a sloper. One of my purposes is just as you stated using it as a base to help fit commercial patterns.

Unless you really want to use software, you can sew a basic dress pattern such as McCalls 2718, Vogue 1004 or Butterick 5627. Cut out a muslin tracing seam lines, darts and such. Make the seam allowance at least an inch and baste. Try on each section and make any changes by adding fabric or tucking it. baste dress together to make final check. Mark any needed changes on your muslin. Take out basting. The reworked pattern pieces become your new pattern. The muslin lasts longer than paper. If you like you can make you a paper or even cardboard pattern if you are more used to that. Compare these basic pattern pieces to each new pattern and make the same changes. For more info, you can go to craftsycom and sign up for the couture dress class. It uses this same process. Do a search here for couture dress under Bridal message board to get half off coupon. Another source of info is to watch Peggy Sagers free webcasts on the Silhoutte Patterns website. -- Edited on 5/23/12 7:44 AM --

Try PatternMaker. I got a great fitting sloper almost right off the printed page. I had to make two little tweaks. I went on to buy the modules that you can download and will actually be doing some sewing this weekend! (PS..I am very hard to fit...tiny shoulders, narrow back, swayback, full DD bust and full hips...and I'm only 5 feet tall!

I have had the same frustrations that I thought would be solved by a "sloper." But, Palmer/Pletsch "Fit for Real People" really helped me understand commerical patterns and how to make them work for you. BY developing a It was pretty mysterious to me but this book explained it all by developing a perfectly fitted

I never understood the value of the commerical "fitting shells" until I read Palmer/Pletsch's "Fit for Real People." It explained the differences among the companies (not much) and how to use the your customizations of that shell to alter any commerical pattern. More than a few light bulbs went off as I read it.

I purchased the Sure Fit system (dress, shirt, and pants kits) about 3 months ago and am more than pleased with the results Iíve gotten with the dress kit which creates a bodice sloper with bust and waist darts and a skirt sloper with front and back waist darts. (Iím a very slow sewer so havenít gotten around to working with the other kits.) Iíve made a sloper with one of the Big 4 patterns and much, much prefer Sure Fit.

Glenda will communicate with you to fine tune your fit via email or Skype if you want. Sheís terrific. Her instructional videos are free to view at her website http://sfdlearningcenter.com/ Working through the Sure Fit templates taught me much more about fit than working with the commercial pattern sloper or just reading the books. (FFRP is an indispensable reference.)

At this point, Iím using my slopers to alter commercial patterns, not design my own. But her instructions on how to design from the sloper have deepened my understanding of pattern design and garment construction.

Iím not familiar with the other systems youíre considering. I like that Sure Fit is hands-on with personal support from Glenda and her detailed, substantive videos. It takes time. You have to watch the videos and follow her instructions for measuring. I wasnít careful on my first effort and had to start over. Having a fitting partner to help with the measurements is a plus.

While I was working on my slopers, I also watched some of Peggy Sagersí videos at http://www.silhouettepatterns.com/html/media/livestreamchannel/index_replays.htm I recommend the one about using a French curve. Combined with the Sure Fit instruction, I had a real breakthrough in reading, altering, and replicating patterns. Armscyes and sleeves are a real challenge for me but now I am more confident in figuring out how to alter.

I also am having wonderful luck with Sure Fit Designs. My pants sloper is almost perfect with Glenda's help. Presently I am working on the dress kit and am expecting to be able to use that sloper to easily fit commercial patterns. Give them a try!

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